The Announcement
By Michelle
Disclaimer- The characters of Charmed belong to Aaron Spelling and The WB, I don't own them, but nor am I making any money off using them in this story, so please don't sue!
Author's Notes- This is just a little post-ep to "Saving Private Leo". It's short and just deals a little further with Cole and Phoebe moving out. Okay? Well, that's all, enjoy!
Spoilers- Saving Private Leo.
---
"You had something you wanted to tell us?" Leo asked of Phoebe.
Everyone had gathered in the living room for Phoebe and Cole's announcement. Piper sat there stiffly, while Paige tapped her foot, waiting for the fireworks, and Leo looked confused.
Phoebe took a deep breath and looked at her husband. Cole squeezed her hand in reassurance.
"We're moving out." She said finally. "Cole's firm offered him the Penthouse where the party was held and we've decided to take it."
"What?" Leo asked, looking alarmed. "Phoebe, are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Why not?" Phoebe countered. "Leo, the Source is dead, if there was ever a time to move out it would be now."
"But why do you have to move out?" Paige asked. "After all, you guys just made me move in."
"Yes, but that was different." Phoebe said. "The Source was still alive then and coming after us in full force. That's not the case now and the manor's too crowded for all of us."
"I still don't think it's the best idea." Leo told them, casting a look at Piper who was still completely silent.
"Why?" Phoebe asked, clenching her teeth. "Why shouldn't we be allowed to move out and start our own life? Magic has dictated our every move for four years, shouldn't we be allowed to do some things for ourselves?"
"Go ahead." Piper said, speaking for the first time. "You're right, it's your own decision. You have to make it. Not us. Maybe, we should be allowed to live our own lives."
"Piper, I'm sorry." Phoebe said softly.
"No, you're not." Piper told her. "Phoebe, you want to do this and you don't care how we feel. Nothing's going to stop you is it?"
Phoebe looked at Piper, then at Cole, who had yet to say a word, and finally shook her head.
"No." She said finally.
"Then why are we even having this discussion?" Piper asked, getting up. "You're moving out and that's it. End of discussion."
With that Piper turned and walked away.
Leo watched her go and then looked at Phoebe. "You can't blame her for being angry."
"I know." Phoebe whispered. "But can you blame me?"
Leo was quiet for a moment, then shook his head.
"I'm not sure it's a great idea." He said finally. "But I understand where you're coming from."
With that, he got up and went after Piper.
Paige just shook her head and walked out as well, leaving Phoebe and Cole on their own.
"Well, that went well." Cole murmured.
"Didn't it?" Phoebe asked dryly. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"Because I didn't think it was my place." Cole told her. "This was between you and your sisters, I thought it was best if I stayed silent. I mean, I think I've caused enough tension between the three of yous without adding to it now."
"I guess." Phoebe agreed. "I wish things could have gone better."
"I'm sorry." Cole said, wrapping his arms around her. "We can stay here, if you want. We don't have to move."
"No." Phoebe said. "You're right, the time has come. I just wish Piper wasn't so upset."
Cole didn't say anything, just held her and smiled over her head. Everything was going according to plan.
He would have it all.
The End